The Top 10 Tangerine Lip Colors

Like the garnish on a cocktail, tangerine lips are best when they're juicy and refreshing. No matter what your formula preference—lipstick, gloss, or stain—these ten shades are Allure–approved as the most mouthwatering of the season.

When it comes to tangerine shades, don't be intimidated—just think of them as a heightened coral, says celebrity makeup artist Quinn Murphy. On most people, a bright lipstick like this brings out warmth in the hair and skin. "It's fresh and bright and perfect for summer," Murphy says. One caveat: Those with pink undertones and dark hair should avoid them because they clash with cooler coloring (sorry, Rooney Mara).

This matte formula requires a little prep. "Your lips should be fully conditioned before you start," says Murphy, who recommends keeping a tub of Aquaphor on your nightstand. Use a lip brush to precisely apply the color all over the lip, blot with a tissue, and reapply. If you need to touch up during the day, dab the color in the center of the lip and allow it to bleed out naturally. "It keeps the mouth looking neat," Murphy says.

Still leery of experimenting with tangerine lip colors? Try a lighter formula to ease into it. "If it's a sheer lip gloss, you pretty much can't go wrong," says Murphy. The gold and pink pearls in this playful shade plump lips, while the bright undertones keep it from looking frosty.

This deep reddish color looks amazing on darker skin tones. To keep it from bleeding, line the outside of your lips with a pencil that's the same shade as your natural lip color. "This will create a dam for the lip gloss," says Murphy. Then simply swipe the gloss on top.

Unlike drying stains, this formula keeps lips moist and glossy-looking for hours (seriously, it's major). The lacquer looks best on those with warm coloring. "Bronzy, blonde California girls can get away with a true tangerine," Murphy says. "It's their color."

This muted tangerine lip stain outlasts other formulas. "You could probably even swim in it," Murphy says. Just keep a lip balm with SPF nearby: "With stains, you have to have moisture. Every crack shows," Murphy says.

A sheer stain is perfect for those who still want to wear a full face of makeup. Complete the look with neutral eye shadow, black or brown mascara, and a touch of cream blush. "It's all about finding the balance," Murphy says. "Everything can't be 100 percent."